Old Kai Gunto

[Paul G]

Hello everyone,

I have this old, Nihonto?, in Kai Gunto mounts. This appears to be an old blade refitted for war. The Nagasa is 23 9/16 inches, or 59.84875 cm from the tip to the Munemachi. I have a couple of questions:

- Is this considered a Katana or a Wakizashi?  

- Can the age of the blade be approximated by the look of the Nakago? or the style and construction of the blade?

- This blade has Bohi on one side only, is that more indicative of a maker? or an era?

Thank you to everyone for their assistance and input.

 

Paul G-

[Paul G]

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[Ray Singer]

According to the nagasa you provided, this is a wakizashi. 

 

You wrote 'nihonto?', so yes to confirm this is in fact an older traditionally made Japanese sword. No later than Edo period, with the koshirae being a WWII kaigunto (naval mounting). 

 

And it is uncommon for there to be bo-hi on just one side of the sword with no horimono on the other ( compared with having bo-hi on both sides, or some combination of different horimono types). 

 

 

[Franco D]

A full length image of this sword might be helpful in narrowing down a time frame of manufacture. That and a close up of the boshi as well. The patina on the nakago favors the possibility of an older sword. Excellent looking mounts.

 

 

Regards,

[Rivkin]

It has certain late/Muromachi shinto vibes, and probably more of the latter - wide hamon which in places is very periodic, not much else seen so far (yes, its very much out of polish), boshi and sugata would be very helpful. 

[Paul G]

Thank you Ray Singer, Franco D, and Rivkin, for your insight. When I can get to the sword, I  will get a picture here of the overall shape of the blade/sugata and of the boshi. Thank you again,

 

Paul G-